Fair City star Rodrigo Ternevoy has revealed he was left fighting for life after contracting a potentially deadly infection in Brazil.
The actor, who plays Cristiano San Martin in the soap , spent seven weeks in hospital after being struck down by septicaemia - also know as sepsis.
The 35-year-old, a Brazilian native, took to Twitter to open up about his health scare and thanked his brother Bruno and his husband who helped in getting him back on his feet.
He said: "After an unexpected seven weeks of hospitals and doctors and surgery and wound dressings and intravenous medicines etc etc.
"I am finally well enough to return home to Ireland!
"I am so thankful to have my health once again and have learned to appreciate each and every moment of life."
He added: "Thank you to all those who sent their prayers, love, good wishes and positive energy my way during my recovery.
"A special thanks to my lovely husband and my brother Bruno who went out of their way to take care of me all this time."
Rodrigo was visiting Rio de Janeiro when he began feeling a sever pain in his chest.
The grateful TV star said he's back healthy and and working with RTE - who have been very accommodating throughout his health battle.
He said: “I was visiting Brazil for a week when I was rushed to hospital with a severe pain in my chest.
"After a few days I was eventually diagnosed with a bacteria that caused Septicaemia, an infection of the blood followed by Septic Arthritis in the chest area.
“It was many weeks of recovery but here I am working again and enjoying life like never before.
"I flew back from Rio de Janeiro on a Saturday, arrived in Ireland the following day Sunday and started working that Monday. I couldn’t wait any longer, I love what I do and was desperate to go back to it.”
He added: "RTE have an amazing team working 24/7 and they were able to move a few things around to accommodate my absence.
"I am very grateful for their support. They have been very kind to me."
